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Read more about the article In Memoriam: Josh Hover
Josh and a DIY client prepping to paint her new fence.

In Memoriam: Josh Hover

Continue ReadingIn Memoriam: Josh Hover

Gardening is about life cycles, we deal with life and death every day. When someone prized is taken too soon, however, it is a tragedy. I write today to honor a friend and colleague, the carpenter who took my visions and built them into realities, who was taken from us two weeks ago: Josh Hover. Josh came to Gardenerd by way of Daniel Mayorga, my landscape professional who installs my garden designs. Josh and Daniel knew each other since Kindergarten,…

Read more about the article No Compost Bin? No Problem!

No Compost Bin? No Problem!

Continue ReadingNo Compost Bin? No Problem!

Today's infograph comes from Fix.com, where they've assembled a quick and easy guide for using your kitchen scraps in your garden without a compost bin. It's an simple way to turn garden waste into garden gold without much effort through small batch composting. Don't have enough space for a bin (or two)? Try trench composting. Small amounts of kitchen waste is buried in trenches around the garden. Over time it breaks down to create rich soil for planting a few…

Read more about the article Corn Fail – Rats Again!
Our sad corn after a rat attack.

Corn Fail – Rats Again!

Continue ReadingCorn Fail – Rats Again!

We're growing Glass Gem popping corn this year, but we may not get to see the results because we've got rats again. They're more aggressive than ever this year, probably because we gave them an in. In dealing with the corn worms that burrowed into each ear, we went digging for each one, found them, and destroyed them. But that left behind an opening: loose husks to entice rats. By pulling open each ear, we undid nature's protection and exposed…

Read more about the article Fireworks – A Toxic Tradition?
Fireworks over Los Angeles

Fireworks – A Toxic Tradition?

Continue ReadingFireworks – A Toxic Tradition?

I was in town for the 4th of July this year. Usually I'm celebrating our freedom by backpacking at around 9,000 feet in the pristine silence of the Sierras over the 4th of July holiday. I had no idea Los Angeles turned into a war zone in my absence. We celebrate with fireworks. The literal sound of bombs bursting in air is the sign of our celebration. It's a beautiful sight, but a few things occurred to me as I…

Read more about the article Review & Giveaway: 101 Chilies to Try Before You Die

Review & Giveaway: 101 Chilies to Try Before You Die

Continue ReadingReview & Giveaway: 101 Chilies to Try Before You Die

Are you a chili grower? Do you like your peppers hot? If that's true, then 101 Chilies to Try Before You Die by David Floyd is for you. Floyd is a chili expert (www.chilefoundry.co.uk) who has written about chili peppers and experimented with chilies for the last 20 years. He's dabbled in selling his own chili products (including chili ice cream) and reports in his introduction to the book that his career took him on many trips to California, "where…

Read more about the article Ask Gardenerd: Citrus Fruit Tree Care
Fresh oranges from our tree

Ask Gardenerd: Citrus Fruit Tree Care

Continue ReadingAsk Gardenerd: Citrus Fruit Tree Care

The questions keep flowing in this time of year. Here's the latest from Jim: "How much water and fertilizer do I need for 2 y o blood orange tree. And do those minimums change in hot or cold weather? My leaves have 2-color leaves, green near midrib and yellowish towards outside Why?" Jim, you might not like my answer, but it is the answer to many a gardening question: it depends. Fertilizer and water needs depend entirely on your soil.…

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